These Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans are an excellent side dish for a summer BBQ. These are simple to create using pinto beans, ham hocks, barbecue sauce, and a flavor-enhancing hidden ingredient. The addition of ground beef makes this meal much more substantial!

Why Are They Called Cowboy Beans?

The term presumably dates back to the days of cowboys and chuck wagons, when pioneers traveling the routes need fast, simple, and protein-rich diets. Beans have a long shelf life and can be prepared with just water, making them the ideal staple food for lengthy voyages.

Ingredients That You’ll Need:

• Ground beef – I like to use lean ground beef, but any kind can be used. Just be sure to drain the grease before continuing with the recipe.
• Bacon – The bacon adds a savory, smoky note that completely elevates the finished dish.
• Onion – 1 small onion, diced fine.
• Pork & Beans – Van Camp’s brand, specifically, is the only brand I use. Use the whole can, including the sauce.
• Canned beans – I used a 3-bean blend but any 15-ounce can of beans work, like kidney beans, butter beans, or black beans.
• Liquid Smoke – This liquid seasoning is made from condensing smoke from burning wood. It adds a smoky flavor without any smoke.
• Barbecue Sauce – use your favorite bottled sauce or make some Homemade BBQ Sauce.
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder – or minced garlic. Add some chili powder or paprika for a little bit of heat.

What Smoked Meat To Use For Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans?

Traditionally, the unusual, somewhat charred ends of Texas barbecue brisket or tri-tip would be used. The idea is to give the meat a smokey taste that can withstand being cooked for an extended period of time. Don’t have any smoked meat? You may use cooked ground beef and some liquid smoke for your Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans.

What Beans To Use For Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans?

As for the beans? You may use any or a mix of the following beans for Pioneer Woman cowboy beans:

• Pinto beans
• Red kidney beans
• Black beans
• White navy beans

How To Make Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans?

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Over medium-high heat, heat a 5-quart dutch oven or other oven-safe, heavy-bottomed pot.
3. Heat for one minute with a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix in the ground meat, bacon, garlic, and onion.
4. Cook, stirring constantly until the ground meat is no longer pink. Remove the majority of the liquid from the pan.
5. Stir with the remaining ingredients. Cover the dutch oven and bake the beans for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

How To Serve This Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans?

This is a terrific recipe for game day gatherings, a cold night’s supper, or a substantial holiday side dish! It is quite versatile and may be prepared in several ways.

• Main Course: These Pioneer Woman Cowboy beans may easily stand on their own as a chili served with cornbread or handmade biscuits and garnished with sour cream, Fritos, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and chopped onions.
• Side Dish: Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans make a great hearty side and go really well with Baked Ham, Pulled Pork Sliders, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, or Grilled Steak. Or serve as part of your holiday feast alongside Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Roasted Red Potatoes, or Creamy Cornbread Casserole.
• Appetizer: Never thought to use Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans as a dip? Think again! They are delicious as a dip, serve with tortilla chips next to other favorites like Chicken Crack Dip or Spinach Artichoke Dip. Deviled Eggs or Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels are also great options.

Can You Make This Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans In The Slow Cooker?

If you want to free up your oven, slow cooker Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans are the way to go! Rather than baking in the oven, place all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Make careful to fry the meat, bacon, and onions on the stove before proceeding.

How To Store Your Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans In The Fridge?

Leftover Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans may be kept in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave for single servings, or in the oven or on the stovetop for bigger quantities.

How To Store Your Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans In The Freezer?

Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans may be stored in a plastic freezer bag or storage container for up to 4 months in the freezer. Make sure to push out as much air as possible. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How To Reheat These Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans?

• In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Place your Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans in an oven-safe dish and cover with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil while the oven preheats. This will take around 5 to 10 minutes.
• In The Microwave: Cover the container with plastic wrap or a paper towel. Reheat Your Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans in the microwave for 30 seconds, then determine whether they are thoroughly warmed. Your Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans are now ready for consumption.
• In Air Fryer: Turn your air fryer to 350-400 degrees F for just 3-4 minutes and your reheated leftovers Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans will taste just as crispy as the night before.

Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 302
• Total Fat 13g
• Saturated Fat 4.2g
• Trans Fat 0g
• Cholesterol 22mg
• Sodium 416mg
• Potassium 841mg
• Total Carbohydrate 31g
• Dietary Fiber 7.4g
• Sugars 4.9g
• Protein 15g
• Vitamin A 6.2%
• Vitamin C 23%
• Calcium 5.7%
• Iron 15%

Nutrition Facts Source: Source